The fight to eradicate Hate Speech is being won in Nigeria, as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), fined 23 Radio and Television Stations across the nation for breach of various broadcasting codes.
The Spokesman of the Commission, Maimuna Jimada, made this disclosure on Wednesday adding that broadcasting stations were being sanctioned for Hateful speech, vulgar lyrics and unverified claims.
Mrs Jimada stated that the violations, against the NBC Code was made between June and September and the erring stations have been fined.
She added that heavy sanctions would be placed on those who fail to comply with the fine, that broadcasters have a duty of promoting the socio-economic welfare of the country.
STATIONS FINED FOR HATE SPEECH
Family Love FM Port Harcourt was fined N200,000 on 9/6/17; ABS FM Awka fined N100,000 on 1/7/17; Express FM Radio Kano also fined N300,000 on 12/9/17, 16/9/17 and 17/9/17.
STATIONS FINED FOR INDECENT MUSICALS
Airing indecent musicals, the NBC fined Royal FM Abuja, Flo FM Umuahia, Radio Continental Lagos and Crystal 100.5FM Minna N100,000, N100,000, N200,000 and N100,000 respectively.
STATIONS FINED FOR MAKING UNVERIFIED CLAIM
While making unverified claims in their various broadcasts, the regulator sanctioned Crowther FM Abuja, Harmony FM Abuja, Inspirational FM Uyo, BCA FM Umuahia, ABS FM Awka, Minaj Systems Radio, Obosi, IBC (Orient TV), Owerri, Rainbow FM, Isheri, Globe FM Bauchi, Arewa Radio, Kano, EBS Radio Benin and Bond FM Lagos with fines of N100,000, N100,000, 100,000, 150,000, 100,000, N100,000, N50,000, N100,000, N100,000, N100,000, N100,000 and N499,000 respectively.
In August, Federal Government directed the NBC to sanction broadcastING stations found guilty of spreading hateful speeches.
The Minister of Information and Culture, made the statement at the Annual Lecture Series of the NBC and the 25th Anniversary of the Commission, said the directive is to curb the menace of Hate Speech growing in the Country.
The Commission also announced its move to sensor Phone-in programs on Broadcast stations, which started last month.
Stations found guilty of perceived Hate-Speeches from callers will be fined N500,000.
